Back in 2019-20, the Raptors and Celtics played one hell of a 7 game series.
The Celts could have gone into this game just assuming they’d win given their history.
Instead, what we got was something I would call a “professional win”.
It was all business.
They flew in, took care of business, and got the hell out of there healthy.
To me, that matters more than simply beating the Raptors.
Anyone who has watched this team play over the years can appreciate that improvement.
The same way when he sits, it’s on Jaylen to elevate his game.
Sometimes it’s dropping 40, other times like last night, it’s a combination of everything.
Tatum took care of the basketball, finishing with just 1 TO despite his high usage.
Again, doing this against the Raptors is mostly whatever.
His passing is too good.
The way he can read the floor and make a quick decision has turned this tactic useless.
Will Hardy tried it, Ime Udoka tried it, and the Raptors tried it last night as well.
All three failed, and all it’s possible for you to do is credit Brad’s brain.
Everything he did was at the rim, and it worked.
So yeah, his shooting wasn’t the best we’ve ever seen, especially lately.
That’s truly what any Celts fan should care about in a game like this.
- As we know, a great barometer for this team is their guard play.
When it stinks, chances are they lose.
They become virtually unstoppable.
His hands are ridiculous, his ability to read an offensive player so quickly is a true skill.
What we hadn’t seen so far this season is Jrue score 22 points in a game.
That feels crazy given his talent, but that’s just the reality of having a roster like this.
His offense is a luxury, not a necesity.
Just because he’s not asked to be a #2 scorer doesn’t mean he isn’t capable.
Jrue is your guy.
As good as Jrue has been, he’s getting even better.
- Then there’s Derrick.
First, it’s a little terrifying that this was the late game look the team got.
I wouldn’t exactly call that a “high percentage” look.
In a playoff game, you probably are looking for something a little btter.
On the other hand, this is what Bald Derrick does.
As I’ve talked about before, this man possesses the clutch gene.
I’m not sure how many more times we need to see it until people fully accept it.
Hell, we already got a huge corner three in TOR from Derrick earlier this season!
I’ve learned not to question it and just thank the Basketball Gods instead.
In my opinion, now is the time to get these types of reps in.
- 23-25 from the FT line.
Not a bad showing if you ask me, and every single one was important.
Especially for a Celtics team thas has been giving up WAY TOO MANY points as of late.
Defense, ball security, and rebounding.
The Celts were great in all three areas.
Guy couldn’t buy a bucket to save his life, so what did he do?
He got his ass to the FT line (10-12).
His ability to get to the line changes everything.
- I’m running out of ways to praise Al Horford so I’ll just keep it simple.
No chance that guy is 37 years old, I refuse to believe it.
Of everyone, I’m really only slightly concerned over KPs shooting.
That’s not great.
Nobody really did that.
Here’s a secret, they can’t do it.
Especially when they’re one of the best transition defenses in the NBA.
- The Al/Kornet double big lineup might just stink.
The Ugly
- Didn’t love how the Celts started this game in terms of their ball security.
Instead, it was 29-25 after one because the Celts gave up OREBs and turned the ball over.
Against a team with a pulse who can actually shoot, that’s a recipe for disaster.
Why have a stress free win when you could instead make us all sweat a little bit?
The game was never in danger, but you couldn’t fully exhale until the Celts hit 104.
If that doesn’t accurately describe what watching Celtics basketball is like, nothing will.
